Proponents press case for high-speed rail line

In an effort to move a high-speed rail service farther down the track, a statewide effort has been launched to raise public awareness and get the system built.

Voters approved formation of a high-speed rail system in 2008. Californians for High-Speed Rail, which spearheaded efforts to pass the $9.95 billion Proposition 1A train bond, has surfaced with the grass-roots effort.

High-speed rail advocates are speaking at town hall meetings and Senate hearings and organizing community leaders statewide.

As the campaign picks up steam, fundraising and public awareness efforts will be conducted, Californians For High-Speed Rail Executive Director Brian Stanke said.

"We really want to get out there and show that the majority of Californians still support high speed rail," Stanke said.

Stanke said in the last year, the public conversation about the high speed rail system has been one-sided, with opponents voicing the loudest concerns.

The initial rail segment would run between San Francisco and Anaheim in Southern California, and then would expand later to Sacramento in the north, and to San Diego in the south.

The Californians for High-Speed Rail organization has also launched a petition drive "Keep Fighting for HSR" to help push voters' desire for the service to the forefront, Stanke said.

A letter-writing campaign has also begun to try to secure more federal funding.

Founded in 2005, the organization lobbies lawmakers and other grassroots and public interest groups to bring about the new service.